Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR)
The Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018, in India, is a mandatory digital framework for advance filing of cargo manifests, with full implementation and mandatory submission of new formats and mandatory filing of arrival, departure, and local manifests is going to be strictly implemented with effect from 20th February, as per the directions issued by Customs authorities at all sea ports and ICDs in India.
Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR), 2018, are required by Indian Customs to digitize and standardize cargo movement, improving transparency, accuracy, and efficiency. They necessitate advance filing of cargo manifests (arrival/departure) via ICEGATE to enable risk-based, faster clearance, replacing traditional paper methods.
The SCMTR (Sea Cargo Manifest & Transhipment Regulations) requires detailed info in the Bill of Lading (BL) for Indian imports/exports, including 6-digit HS Codes, IEC/PAN, full party addresses, emails, cargo value, and package details, all submitted by specific timelines (usually 72 hrs before ETA at last foreign port) to avoid customs delays, linking HBL/CSN to the Master BL for accurate tracking (SAM/SDM filing).
Key Details Required on BL/Related Docs
Harmonized System (HS) Code: 6-digit code for cargo classification.
Importer Exporter Code (IEC) / PAN: For shipper, consignee, and notify party (especially crucial for 'To Order' consignments).
Fully Party Details: Correct, complete addresses (with State, Country Code, PIN) and valid email/phone for all parties (Shipper, Consignee, Notify).
Cargo Value: The invoice value of the goods.
Package Details: Number of packages, container numbers, seal numbers, Gross Weight.
Cargo Summary Notification (CSN): Forwarder's unique number linking HBL to MBL.
Master Cargo Identification Number (MCIN): For matched HBL/MBL, according to ICEGATE.
